San Diego County faces an outbreak of norovirus, with eleven confirmed cases traced back to frozen oysters served at the 100s Seafood Grill Buffet in Mission Valley.

Contaminated Oysters Originated from South Korea

Health officials confirmed that the contaminated frozen oysters were imported from South Korea. Individuals who consumed these oysters between March 31 and April 1 have tested positive for norovirus.

Concerns About Dehydration and Vulnerable Populations

Dr. Seema Shah, Medical Director of the County of San Diego’s Epidemiology & Immunization Services Branch, highlighted the risk of dehydration, especially among vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.

Collaboration for Investigation

Collaboration with the California Department of Public Health and the FDA is ongoing to determine the extent of distribution of the contaminated oysters.

Previous Norovirus Cases

This recent outbreak follows a previous incident in which 41 norovirus cases in San Diego County were linked to raw oysters imported from northwest Mexico.

Research on Marine Contaminants and Climate Change

Funding for Research at UC San Diego

The University of California, San Diego, has secured over $7 million in funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. This funding aims to study the impact of climate change on marine contaminants and ensure the safety of seafood.

Establishing the Scripps Center for Oceans and Human Health

Part of the funding will go towards reestablishing the Scripps Center for Oceans and Human Health. This initiative aims to investigate the sources and toxicity of human-made and natural chemicals in the ocean, as well as their effects on the marine food chain.

Conclusion: Addressing Health Risks and Advancing Research

The recent norovirus outbreak underscores the importance of food safety measures, while ongoing research endeavors aim to understand and mitigate the impact of pollution and climate change on marine ecosystems and public health.

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